The kingdom of Judah, broken in power and robbed of its strength both in men and in treasure, was nevertheless still permitted to exist as a separate government. At its head Nebuchadnezzar placed Mattaniah, a younger son of Josiah, changing his name to Zedekiah.

Nu var Judas riges magt brudt. Både landets befolkning og dets skatte var bortført, men det fik lov at beholde sin egen regering. Nebukadnezar satte Mattanja i spidsen for riget. Han var en yngre søn af Josias, og hans navn blev ændret til Zedekias.